Six designer bags you won't regret investing in this season

With every season comes a new raft of It bags. Bibby Sowray gives you the lowdown on the styles that are really worth your money

Alexander McQueen Box bag

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Inspired by treasure chests and antique luggage, McQueen’s Box bag is tiny but mighty. It’s available in two different sizes – the 16 and the 19 – and over 50 different colours and fabrications. As if that wasn’t enough, it can be worn as a crossbody bag, shoulder bag or clutch. It works hard for its money. From £1,390.

Cult Gaia Lilleth tote

The aptly named Cult Gaia is responsible for the bag of last year – that wooden-slatted, semi-circle clutch called the Ark. If you’re not sure, Google it and we assure you you’ll have seen it all over your Instagram feed in various exotic climes. Founder and creative director Jasmin Larian has followed it up with the Lilleth, an similar slatted acrylic design that looks almost shell-like. Available in two sizes and numerous colours, the real beauty lies in the fact that it is collapsible and can be folded completely fat to optimise space in your suitcase. And don’t worry about your possessions falling through the gaps – it comes with a dust bag that doubles-up as a liner. Genius, no? From £305.

Staud Shirley bag

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If you perused the street-style images coming out of the most recent fashion month you won’t have failed to notice an abundance of clear bags, from Céline’s shopping bag to this little number, Staud’s Shirley. The clear tote with removable zip-up inner pouch (for valuables) is currently so loved it’s sold out everywhere. Hardly surprising considering it’s not-ridiculous £175 price tag. Get it if you can.

The Volon Cindy clutch

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You probably haven’t heard of the brand The Volon or its lantern-like Cindy clutch, but you’ve almost certainly seen it dangling from the wrists of fashion’s great and good, such as Leandra Medine and Jeanne Dumas. Inspired by paper lanterns, its unusual shape makes it stand out from the crowd, and it’s easy to see the brand’s roots in furniture and interior design. Get it for £620.

Loewe Gate bag

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Ever since Jonathan Anderson took the helm at Loewe the brand has been firing out It bags, such as the Puzzle. The latest is the Gate bag, a traditional saddle shape with a distinctive leather knot detailing on the front. The strap is removable so it can be transformed into an oversized clutch too. From £1,525.

Dior Saddle bag

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If you’re over the age of 27, you’ll likely remember this Dior bag from its first outing when it became one of the very first It bags, designed by Dior’s then-creative director John Galliano. Everyone had it, from Carrie Bradshaw to Paris Hilton. Well, it’s back thanks to current design lead Maria Grazia Chiuri, who has refined it for the autumn/winter 2018 collection. The revamped version is not yet available but keep your eyes peeled, it will be coming later in the year. In the meantime, you can always surf resale sites such as Vestiaire Collective for an original. Proof, if ever we needed it, that fashion really is one big cycle.